($1,397) Cost of Moving From California to Utah

Quick answer: Moving from California to Utah typically costs between $744 and $7,044 and usually takes two–seven days. Your final price depends on the size and timing of your move, and whether you choose professional movers or handle it on your own.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Utah to California guide.

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The best California to Utah full-service movers

Planning a move from California to Utah? With countless moving companies to choose from, finding the right interstate mover can be tough. We’ve made it easier by researching and handpicking the best options based on detailed reviews, upfront pricing, and exceptional services.

Start your journey from California to Utah with these top-rated long-distance movers serving California.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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866-825-0554
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
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(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
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The best local moving companies in California

With so many choices out there, picking a reliable local moving company can be a challenge. To make your decision easier, we’ve put together a list of the best local movers in California, all known for their solid reputations, clear pricing, and impressive customer satisfaction.

  1. Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  3. Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591
Get a Quote

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Republic Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 3369820

Years in Business: 31

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154

Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3369820
  • State license #: 0190491
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Lovejoy's Family Moving
  • Republic Relocation Services

Local Associations

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Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 22

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
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All Star Movers & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2971368

Years in Business: 10

101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568

All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.

Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage

Additional Information

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The best California to Utah moving container companies

Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in California and delivering it to your new place in Utah.

Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best California to Utah moving truck rentals

If you want to save money moving from California to Utah, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best California to Utah labor-only movers

Need an extra set of hands for loading your belongings into a rental truck or storage unit? Labor-only movers have you covered. You pick the team size that works for you, and you’re only charged for the hours they’re on the job.

When you’re getting ready to move from California to Utah, make your move a breeze with these top-rated moving labor companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.96 / 5
  • Years in Business: 31
  • Yelp: 3.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
  • Years in Business: 22
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to UT movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from California to Utah?

Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from California to Utah. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,397 - $5,421 $992 - $2,336 $711 - $1,261
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,830 - $7,044 $1,646 - $3,276 $744 - $1,514
4+ bedrooms $5,162 - $9,799 $2,232 - $4,275 $942 - $1,798

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 813 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from California to Utah

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Utah will cost between $1,397 and $5,421. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to UT will range from $2,830 to $7,044, and a large move from California to Utah will cost from $5,162 to $9,799.

Cost of moving containers from California to Utah

If you're moving from California to Utah, expect to pay between $992 and $2,336 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,646 up to $3,276. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,232 and $4,275. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Utah

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $711 and $1,261. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $744 and $1,514. Moving from California to Utah or dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $942 and $1,798.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to UT

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Utah will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from CA to UT

When moving from California to Utah, be sure to check out how your new state stacks up against your current one.

Cost of living: California vs. Utah

Before moving, make sure to compare the cost of living in California and Utah. This easy side-by-side breakdown covers important factors like housing, income, taxes, and unemployment, giving you a clear picture of how your budget could be affected. Check out how these two states stack up on the essentials that shape your living expenses:

California Utah
Average rent cost $1,856 $1,302
Average home cost $771,057 $517,020
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $86,833
Cost of Living Index 134 105
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.5%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 7.19%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.95%
  • Expect to pay around 30% less in rent in Utah than in California, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
  • Good news for your budget—home prices in Utah are around 33% lower than in California. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
  • Make sure to review your budget before you move. The average incomes in Utah are about 6% lower than in California.
  • Moving to Utah is about 22% cheaper than living in California. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
  • With an unemployment rate roughly 35% lower than California, Utah offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
  • Sales tax in Utah is 17% lower than in California. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Utah can really help lower your monthly costs.
  • Income taxes in Utah are 63% lower than in California. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.

How life is different in Utah vs. California

Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a new home, it’s about how your everyday life will actually feel. Factors like climate, safety, local culture, and the community’s size can make a big difference in your experience. Here’s a quick comparison of what life is like in Utah versus California across key lifestyle categories:

Utah California
Population 3,417,734 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 60-40 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 90ºF 87ºF
Winter low 17ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 15" 22"
Annual snow 43" 7"
Crime index 21.37 28.43
  • The population of Utah is about 91% smaller than that of California. Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
  • In the most recent presidential election, Utah voted Republican, while California went Democratic.
  • Summer highs average 90ºF in Utah and 87ºF in California. That means your move shouldn’t require you to adjust too much to the summer weather. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, unique weather quirks, and energy costs to really know what summer will feel like in your new home.
  • In the coldest months, temperatures in Utah dip to around 17ºF, while California only falls to about 59ºF. Relocating to Utah means you’ll likely face colder winters, which can bring higher heating bills, change up your routine, and bring on more extreme weather, but you’ll also get to enjoy the unique beauty and experiences that come with the season.
  • You’ll enjoy about 15 inches of rain each year in Utah, compared to 22 inches in California. With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
  • Each year, Utah sees about 43 inches of snowfall, while California averages just 7 inches. With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation, maintenance, and warm gear.
  • Utah boasts a lower crime rate than California, with a crime index of 21.37 compared to 28.43. This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you're moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Utah

New beginnings can be really exciting. Here’s a quick comparison between life in Utah and California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Utah
Ample economic opportunity Robust economic growth
Pleasant weather Abundant outdoor activities
Abundant recreational options Growing population
High quality of life Outdoor paradise
Fresh and healthy foods Diverse

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Utah

Moving from California to Utah comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Utah
High cost of living Extreme weather
Heavy tax burdens High cost of housing
Natural disasters Peculiar liquor laws
Terrible traffic Dangerous drivers
Strange laws Huge emphasis on religious identity

Other things to consider for your California to Utah move

  • Weather: Utah's temperatures are extreme, with cold temperatures in winter due to its elevation, and very hot summers statewide (with the exception of mountain areas and high mountain valleys). Utah is usually protected from major blasts of cold air by mountains lying north and east of the state. Utah, like most of the western United States, has few days of thunderstorms. On average there are fewer than 40 days of thunderstorm activity during the year, although these storms can be briefly intense when they do occur.
  • HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
  • Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
  • Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Utah, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
  • State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Utah moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
  • Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Utah, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Utah right on time. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. In Utah, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. To increase protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.

Things to do in Utah

Get ready to discover Utah. Check out these must-visit places in your new home state:

Museums in Utah

  • Natural History Museum of Utah
  • Hill Aerospace Museum
  • Clark Planetarium
  • Goulding’s Trading Post Museum.
  • Thanksgiving Point

Parks in Utah

  • Red Hills Desert Garden
  • Pioneer Park
  • Liberty Park
  • Ensign Peak Park
  • Thunder Junction All Abilities Park

Sports Teams in Utah

  • Real Salt Lake Soccer (MLS)
  • Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League)
  • Utah Grizzlies Hockey (ECHL)
  • Utah Jazz (NBA)

Universities in Utah

  • The University of Utah
  • Brigham Young University
  • Utah State University
  • Weber State University
  • Utah Valley University

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Utah? toggle

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Utah? toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Utah separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Utah? toggle

The main reasons people are moving from California to Utah are the amazing upsides of living in Utah such as robust economic growth and abundant outdoor activities.

Is it cheaper to live in California or Utah? toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Utah than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Utah, with average rent about 30% less and home prices 32.9% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Utah, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Utah? toggle

You should make approximately $ 61,242 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Utah. The cost of living in Utah is approximately $ 2,162 per month for an individual and $ 4,702 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Utah you live For example, larger cities like Salt Lake City and St. George will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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